History-steeped, and home to some of Ireland’s biggest stars (Bono, The Edge, Neil Jordan, Van Morrison…), the delightful town of Dalkey makes for one of the country's chicest daytrips.

Situated just 10 miles from the city centre, at the southern end of Dublin Bay and right on the DART line, reaching this classy suburb is hassle free and well worth the scenic journey.

Its medieval past is brought to life at the award-winning Dalkey Castle & Heritage Centre where Living History Tours are played out against the evocative backdrop of the 15th Century fortified Town House. Grab your camera and climb the battlements for great views of the mountain, sea, and Dalkey Island where settlements date back to 4500BC.

St. Begnet's 10th Century Church & Graveyard provides a further link to the past, while the late 19th Century Dalkey Town Hall is still used by the locals today. The Modern Exhibition Area, Art Gallery and Gift Shop fortify 21st Century tastes and celebrate the town’s literary connections; Irish writers James Joyce, Maeve Binchy, George Bernard Shaw and Hugh Leonard all have strong local links. Celebrity shoulder-rubbing has never been so historic…

Step back in time at Dalkey Castle and Heritage Centre, Castle St, Dalkey, Co. Dublin, tel. (+00) (353) (0)1 285 8366, www.dalkeycastle.com.